Egypt allows domestic gas to Gaza as Israel blocks transfer of fuel

Egypt has allowed “some 250 tonnes of domestic gas” to Gaza nearly a month after Israel shut down its only goods crossing and prevented the transfer of fuel into the strip, a Palestinian official told Anadolu news agency on Sunday.

The agency quoted Khalil Shakfa, the head of the General Authority of Petroleum, saying that “some 250 tonnes of domestic gas has been allowed into Gaza.”

Meanwhile, Sky News Arabia reported that “11 trucks of domestic gas on Monday entered Gaza through Salah al-Din Gate, located near Rafah crossing,” according to sources.

However, the Egyptian authorities have not confirmed or denied the reports yet.

Last Month, Israel tightened its blockade on Gaza after preventing fuel and gas from transferring through the Kerem crossing, allowing only foods and essential medicines to cross.

After a week, it announced that it will partially reopen the crossing, explaining that the full return of the crossing activities is conditioned to the Hamas movement’s commitment to a complete cessation of firing kites carrying firebombs into Israel.

The gesture came amid the heaviest flare-ups between Israel and Gaza factions, as both exchanged fire through the past few months in the most violent hostilities since the 2014 Gaza war.

A ceasefire had been reached in July, brokered by Egypt and the UN between the two sides, but the violence continued.

Egypt has recently intensified its efforts to reach a reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah. Last week, the two factions announced that they held several meetings with top Egyptian officials, including General Intelligence Service Chief Abbas Kamal, in Cairo to resume talks and discuss a new proposal presented by Egypt. However, no final decision has been reached yet.

The new Egyptian proposal aims at reaching a reconciliation agreement between Hamas and Fatah and a long-term ceasefire deal to last for several years; it could extend to seven years.

In October 2017, the rival Palestinian faction signed a reconciliation accord in Cairo after Hamas agreed to hand over the administrative powers of Gaza, which it dominated since 2006, to the Fatah-backed government. However, since then, the talks have stalled.